News & Blog

On Saturday 1st December 2018 we will be shutting the doors at our shop on Bolton Market for the final time.

It wasn’t an easy decision to make, but after lots of discussions we’ve decided that it’s the right thing to do for the company and our staff. From the very first day we opened in 1995, we have had 23 brilliant years on the market and we’ve loved getting to know all our customers and fellow stall holders – we’ve had a lot of laughs along the way.

We’ll be sad to see the shop go, the market had a fantastic atmosphere and we loved being a part of it for so long. The staff at the shop will be moved to other shops or departments in the company where we can make the most of their skills. They’ve done a brilliant job at the shop and we can’t thank them enough.

The closure of the Market Shop will allow us to develop other areas of the business and although it is sad that we are closing, it is the best decision for the company. We are very excited at what the future holds.

Shop manager, Margaret said: “I must admit when I was asked to leave the bakery after many years to work in the Market Shop I was a little apprehensive. However, the move turned out to be a wonderful experience, and I have worked in the Market Shop for 23 years. It has never felt like work. During this time, I have had the pleasure of meeting many great people who have become friends. From the market traders, to regular customers and all the staff throughout the years, including all the Saturday staff. I will be sad to leave the market and all my friends there, but I am looking forward to new challenges.”

Market Shop staff with a customer

Ann, who worked at the Market Shop for 20 years with Margaret and now manages our Market Place shop, said: “Firstly, I’d like to say that I’m looking forward to seeing our Ashburner Street customers over at our Market Place shop.

I’ve had 20 very happy years on the Market. Watched babies grow into young adults. Made a lot of good friends and knew our regular customers by name. It has been a privilege to serve to the good people of Bolton, love you all. Keep smiling.”

The shop will shut at 5pm on Saturday 1st December. Customers who regularly get their pasties from the Market Shop can still get fresh and frozen pasties from the Market Place shop on Corporation Street outside the Market Place Shopping Centre, which is around a 10-minute walk and now has seating outside. Our Original Shop on Halliwell Road and our Bakery Shop on Manchester Road will remain open. The closure of the Market Shop enables us to open our Bakery Shop until 7pm from Monday – Friday.

We would like to say a huge thank you to all our loyal customers who have shopped with us on the market over the years, we’ve had an absolute blast.